Both are repeat honorees. It’s the third year in a row that Cherry was picked for the all-state squad.

The all-state teams were voted on by sports editors and reporters from across the state.

“It’s a great honor to be put in the same category as some of the best players in the state,” Cherry said. “To be able to do it my third time, it is a great feeling.”

Cuthbertson, who will play his college ball at USC-Upstate next fall, averaged more than 28 points and 12 rebounds per game.

He finished his high school career with 2,159 career points, ranking him 20th all-time in the state of North Carolina.

“It’s a great accomplishment and a great way to finish,” Cuthbertson said. “I had more weight on my shoulders this year because we didn’t have Aaron (Tate) and Jeff (Adams) and all those role players we had last year.

“This year, everybody stepped up, but my role had to be a little bit bigger. I think all-state fits right in with that.”

The Eagles won 25 games and claimed the Coastal Conference regular-season and tournament championships. They won three home playoff games before losing to Rocky Mount in the regional semifinals in Fayetteville.

Cuthbertson said he couldn’t have won the award without his teammates. He also dished out more than five assists per game.

“Without them, I couldn’t have done it,” he said. “They helped me step my game up another level because they had confidence in me every time we stepped on the floor.

“They knew, when it was time to make a big shot or big play, they came to me. With them having confidence in me, that gave me confidence to make the big plays.”

Cherry, a University of North Carolina commit, guided West Craven’s girls’ team to the state semifinals before falling to Chapel Hill in Fayetteville.

The Eagles finished 26-6 and won the Coastal Conference regular-season and tournament championships.

Cherry averaged 25.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 2.4 assists per game. She was named the Coastal Conference Player of the Year and District II Player of the Year.

“It was a great and very fun junior year,” Cherry said. “We accomplished everything that we said we were going to accomplish. We had high expectations and we all worked for it, so I couldn’t be happier with this season.”

Cherry scored at least 30 points in seven games, including the Eagles’ 64-48 win over Eastern Wayne in the regional semifinals March. 7.

Cherry poured in at least 20 points in 29 of 32 games.

“My team has allowed me to get these awards,” Cherry said. “I’m thankful for my team and my coach to even give me the opportunity to get these awards and be mentioned in these top categories.”

While Cuthbertson finished his prep career, Cherry will have a chance to win a fourth all-state award next year.

“That would be great for me and my family,” Cherry said. “It’s something to look forward to and it’s something to accomplish next year.”

Adam Thompson can be reached at 252-635-5669 or at Adam.Thompson@newbernsj.com. Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_matic.

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